Minnesota Wild need Jason Pominville to get back to scoring goals

Minnesota Wild right wing Jason Pominville takes a break during the third period of Game 3 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on Monday, April 21, 2014. (Pioneer Press: Ben Garvin)

CHICAGO -- Jason Pominville led the Wild in goals during the regular season with 30.

But as Pominville entered the Wild's second-round playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks with just one playoff goal -- an empty-netter in Game 6 against the Colorado Avalanche -- Wild coach Mike Yeo shared a simple message about production.

"The only time stats in the playoffs matter is when you lose," Yeo said.

Pominville also had four assists in the seven-game series against the Avs. But the Wild were hoping to get more than the one goal from him.

But as the second round was set to start Friday, Pominville said his production wasn't worrying him.

"You just try to win games and do whatever it takes," Pominville said. "It's not about the stats at all."

Yeo obviously agrees.

"I've seen it many times where a player can have a tough series and then the next series he can catch fire," he said. "And vice versa. A player who's been on fire (can go into a slump). That's why it's important that we've got everybody ready to move throughout the lineup, because different guys will find a way to be on top of their game and play well against these guys."

Pominville has been a part of a top trio with Mikael Granlund and Zach Parise of late. In the opening round, Granlund had two goals and Parise had three.

Pominville has had some of his most productive games with the Wild against Chicago. In five games against the Blackhawks during the regular season, Pominville led the Wild in points with five.

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"I would say with Pominville that he's going to be an important player for us because of the success he had against these guys in the regular season," Yeo said. "This is not a team that gives up an awful lot. They defend very well and attack very well."